People with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis should be immunized | Brazil

Published 04/29/2024 13:03

Patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis are now part of the priority groups for vaccination against HPV. The inclusion, according to the Ministry of Health, was motivated by publications demonstrating the benefits of the vaccine as an auxiliary treatment for the disease, indicating a reduction in the number and spacing of relapses in immunized patients.

The HPV vaccine, in the case of patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, will be offered upon presentation of a medical prescription. For patients under 18 years of age, it is also necessary to present a document with the consent of their parents or guardians.

Illness

According to the folder, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is an uncommon disease, generally benign, but which can cause serious clinical and psychological impairment in those affected. The condition affects both children and adults.

Caused by infection with HPV itself, especially types 6 and 11, the disease is characterized by the formation of warts, generally on the larynx, but which can extend to other parts of the respiratory system.

The treatment is surgical, to remove warts from the vocal cords and larynx. “Even with the concomitant use of medications that can be associated with the procedure, recurrences are frequent, making repeated surgical procedures necessary,” highlighted the ministry.

“In cases with worse evolution in children, relapses are more aggressive and the prognosis is worse. Therefore, the treatment, in most cases, is extremely costly, painful and, often, ineffective”, says the ministry.

Single dose

Since February, the HPV vaccination strategy in the country has been carried out in a single dose, replacing the two-dose model. The proposal, according to the ministry, is to intensify protection against cervical cancer and other complications associated with the virus, including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

The single dose regimen against HPV was based on efficacy studies and follows the most recent recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Who can get vaccinated

Immunization against HPV in Brazil is currently recommended for boys and girls aged 9 to 14; victims of sexual abuse aged 15 to 45 (men and women) who have not been previously immunized; people living with HIV; solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients; and cancer patients aged 9 to 45 years.

Testing

In March, the ministry announced the incorporation into the Unified Health System (SUS) of a test for detecting HPV in women, classified by the ministry itself as innovative. The technology uses molecular testing to detect the virus and screen for cervical cancer, in addition to allowing testing to be carried out only every 5 years.

The current form of HPV screening, carried out through the test popularly known as the Pap smear, needs to be carried out every three years. The incorporation of the test into the public network was evaluated by the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies into the Unified Health System (Conitec), which considered the technology to be more accurate than that currently offered in the SUS.

Infection

HPV is currently considered the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and the main cause of cervical cancer. The ministry’s estimate is that around 17 thousand women are diagnosed with the disease in Brazil every year.

Despite being a disease that can be prevented, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common type of cancer and is the fourth cause of death from cancer in women – especially black, poor and with low levels of formal education .